If the load is not centered on the forks, what could happen?

When the load is not centered on the forks of a forklift, it creates an imbalance that can significantly affect the stability of the truck. A misaligned load can cause the center of gravity to shift towards one side, which increases the risk of tipping over, especially when the forklift is moving or turning. This instability can lead to accidents and potentially serious injuries, making it crucial for operators to ensure that loads are properly centered before lifting.

While it's possible that bending of the forks could occur due to uneven weight distribution or excessive weight, the immediate and most concerning risk is the potential for the stacker itself to tip over. Proper load handling and positioning are vital for safe forklift operation, and this is why ensuring that the load is correctly centered is emphasized during training. If nothing significant were to occur when a load is off-center, it would undermine the principles of safe material handling and could lead operators to underestimate the importance of load stability.